Angels looking for healthy starters to supplement their rotation

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As the Angels search for durable starting pitchers this offseason, Atlanta Braves right-hander Julio Teheran is an example of a potential trade candidate with a relatively clean injury history. (AP Photo/John Amis)

After three years worth of season-shattering injuries to their pitching staff, the Angels are looking for durability, particularly among starters, this winter.

Although General Manager Billy Eppler wouldn’t say on Wednesday at the GM meetings how much the Angels weigh durability vs. upside, it’s clear that a large part of the equation is finding pitchers who won’t get hurt.

How do you do that?

“You look at their track record, their recent workload, and some other things that are proprietary,” Eppler said with a smile.

Eppler is likely talking about elements of a pitcher’s delivery, of his physical build, that they believe will lead to health.

“Durability is built in several different ways,” Washington Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said. “Delivery is an imprint aspect. Physicality is important. What type of arm action he has. What type of effort does he use when he throws. All those things you evaluate and put into the picture and you give yourself a risk rating of how vulnerable they are to get hurt.”

Based on the recent history of avoiding injury, the best durable free agents are pitchers like Dallas Keuchel, J.A. Happ and Gio Gonzalez. Potential trade candidates with relatively clean injury histories include Kyle Gibson or Julio Teheran.

While there might be some sentiment that a pitcher who has had the surgery is now safer, Eppler said he doesn’t view it that way.

“A reconstructed elbow is not a new elbow,” Eppler said. “It’s a reconstructed elbow. A 1990 Camaro with a new engine is not a new Camaro. It’s just a 1990 Camaro with a new engine.”

CATCHER SEARCH

Among position players, the only spot at which Eppler even hints at a need is catcher. He has said repeatedly they have the in-house options to fill the holes in the infield and outfield.

Currently, the Angels have José Briceño and waiver-claim Kevan Smith as their two catchers.

“We’re open-minded to upgrading there to see where we can be better,” Eppler said. “It’s a need. I think we can supplement it and be better.”

Eppler said he’s had talks with clubs about trades and with agents about free agent catchers.

The top available catcher is J.T. Realmuto of the Miami Marlins, who has two years left before free agency. He will be in high demand, and thus require a large prospect bounty.

“I’m very open-minded to bringing in a catcher if the acquisition cost (is right), the finances and/or the prospect yield in terms of a trade,” he said. “I’m open-minded to it, but I’m not going to jeopardize the health of the organization to make sure I check a box.”

The top free agent catchers are Yasmani Grandal and Wilson Ramos, although neither are strong defensively, and the Angels have tended to lean toward good defensive catchers.

They could also go for a free agent like Kurt Suzuki, a veteran who could certainly be had on a one-year deal in the neighborhood of $3 million. He could share the job with Briceño or Smith. Martín Maldonado, who the Angels traded to the Astros in July, is also a free agent.

“We don’t need a catcher at all costs,” Eppler said, “but if we can do it, we’ll be open to it.”

ALSO

Andrelton Simmons was named the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year at shortstop. It’s a less prestigious honor than the Gold Glove, which Simmons won on Sunday. However, it’s also a major league honor, as opposed to an American League award. …

Prospect Jahmai Jones has continued to impress the Angels with his adjustment to second base. He was drafted as an outfielder and moved to second this year, his fourth season. Jones is currently playing in the Arizona Fall League. “He’s doing really well at second,” Eppler said. “He’s caught on quicker than we were anticipating.”